The Free State Cheetahs aim to improve on last year’s effort that won them the Currie Cup, according to fullback Bevin Fortuin.

Having tasted Currie Cup glory for only the second time in history last year, Free State will look to make it two in a row in 2006. Fortuin played a big part in the successful 2005 campaign, and by missing out on a place in the recently named-Springbok squad, he will now turn his focus into defending the domestic title.

“Myself and a lot of the other younger players have learnt a hell of a lot from the Super 14 this year,” says Fortuin on his debut season against the best Sanzar has to offer.

Fortuin sees the experience gained in the Super 14 as a huge advantage for the players going back to Currie Cup rugby. But this is not to say that the Cheetahs will rely on past glories to see them home.

“We are not looking to defend the title, we are aiming to improve this year. We have a lot of depth in the squad, which is a huge advantage,” says Fortuin.

After a turbulent introduction to the Super 14, the Cheetahs will view the Currie Cup as an opportunity to reaffirm their status as the No. 1 side in South Africa.